Chapter 7

20 Days Later

*Huff*

*Huff*

*Huff*

After running for a while, I slowed down until I came to a complete stop, leaning on my knees to catch my breath.

It's been almost a month since I arrived in this world. Even though I come from another world, I've adapted quite well to this new life.

The comforts here are similar to those in my previous world, thanks to the peculiar technological development of this place: there are refrigerators, lamps, and other inventions. However, no one seems to know anything about something called a television.

After catching my breath, I looked up just in time to see a couple of blurry shadows sliding across a rooftop.

Despite living in a village full of ninjas, the common folk are mostly ignorant about the 'shinobi' side of their own village.

The only thing they know is that ninjas perform dangerous tasks and keep the village safe and stable.

Massacres, raids, betrayals, and wars? Impossible! All of that is just lies spread by other villages to tarnish Konoha's reputation.

It's almost comical how ignorant they can be.

Though I don't blame them. When you've lived your entire life in one place, it's easy to paint an idyllic picture of it, believing you're the good guy in the story.

It's only when you step into the 'shinobi' world that you understand the horrors hidden beneath. All for the sake of the village, right?

This facade is, of course, imposed by the leaders to hide the darkness behind it all. But it's necessary. After all, how would you feel knowing the man drinking tea next to you is the same one who has killed dozens of people, including children?

I shook my head, pushing those thoughts away. What right do I have to judge others for their crimes when I'm training to become one of them? It would be hypocritical.

After resting for a moment, I continued running until I reached my house.

Once there, I headed to the backyard to do some push-ups.

Since Haruto agreed to train me, he's assigned me a series of moderate exercises to strengthen my body. Once, I pushed myself so hard that I couldn't move for the rest of the day.

Haruto scolded me, warning me not to overexert myself, as my body wasn't fully developed yet. He said that, at this age, overtraining is more harmful than beneficial.

Since then, I've strictly followed his plan, taking breaks between each session.

The training consists of a mix of aerobic and anaerobic exercises, with more emphasis on the former.

I didn't ask why, as it seems obvious. While strength is important for a ninja, most battles revolve around endurance, ninjutsu, and cunning.

All this while hiding, running, setting traps, no wonder so much emphasis is placed on endurance. About Taijutsu...

Why risk an exhausting close-quarters fight when a small fire jutsu can solve everything?

People like Might Guy are not exactly common.

This applies to most ninjas, who are often "glass cannons." However there are always exceptions, like the Raikage, with muscles bigger than my waist and incredible skill with Raiton. Exceptional defense, offense, and speed.

In later stages, he's probably the most powerful Kage. Though, at this moment, it's hard to say. My Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, isn't as old as he would be during the Konoha Crush.

Now, at the end of the Second Great Shinobi War, he's likely at his peak.

Thinking about the Hokage, I stopped my training and lay down on the ground.

Senju Hashirama...

The "God of Shinobi," the reincarnation of Asura. A man so powerful that, while he lived, no one dared to challenge him. Only Uchiha Madara was his rival.

I imagined their final battle: the colossal Thousand-Armed Buddha against the Perfect Susanoo, enveloping the Kyubi.

My eyes sparkled as I visualized that scene, terrifying yet fascinating at the same time. I clenched my fists instinctively.

Monsters, not humans, with the power to reshape entire landscapes and decide the fate of thousands with a single move.

I...

*Knock*

*Knock*

My train of thought was interrupted by two knocks on the door.

"Coming!" I shouted, wiping off my sweat with a towel before opening it.

On the other side stood a black-haired man wearing a mask.

Huh? Another ANBU? Though this one seems different.

"Akuma Kurokawa, here is the village's monthly stipend," the ANBU said, handing me a stack of bills before disappearing in an instant.

I looked at the money with a bright smile.

"Thank you, ANBU-chan!" I shouted outside. I don't know if he heard me, but it doesn't matter. It's good timing, as I ran out of supplies a few days ago and had to ask Haruto for help.

Who would've thought the ANBU would handle this too? Maybe, if I show exceptional talent, I could receive the 'VIP' treatment, with the Hokage himself visiting me, like what will happen to Naruto.

Though that kind of attention might also attract the interest of a certain bandaged man...

After stashing the money in a safe place, I returned to the backyard to continue training until the sun began to set.

I prepared dinner, cleaned up, and did some tidying.

Once in bed, a smile spread across my face as I thought about the bright future ahead of me.

I fell asleep with that smile.

I didn't know how naive I had been... until much later.